NEWBORN SCREENING TEST
The First And Most Important Screening Test For A Newborn - Recommended By Pediatricians Globally
Newborn Screening Test A simple way to know if your baby is as healthy as they look. Newborn Screening Test is the first and most important screening test for a newborn. A newborn may appear healthy at birth but could have a hidden condition. It may be difficult for the parent or the physician to identify these conditions just by looking at the baby. These conditions if left undetected may lead to slow growth, brain damage, serious illness and even death. Early detection and treatment can help the baby live a normal healthy life.
Newborn screening checks for rare and serious but treatable conditions right at birth before they cause irreversible harm to the baby Sometimes a baby could have a condition even if there is no family history to it* Newborn screening is strongly recommended by pediatricians the world over†. The test is mandatory for all newborns in over 60 countries
A Few Drops Of Blood Is All That It Takes The newborn screening test procedure is safe and simple. 48 hours after birth a nurse or a trained medical staff will collect the blood sample on a special filter paper, through a small prick on the baby’s heel. By placing the special filter paper in the baby’s diaper a urine sample is also collected. The filter papers are kept to dry and are then sent to the BabyShield laboratory for testing. Sometimes a repeat sample may be required. This could be due to a problem with the collection of the sample or because the values are out of the expected normal range. Request for a second sample does not mean that the baby has a problem. However, when a repeat sample is requested, it is better to take the baby for the test at the earliest.
Test Result
The Gateway To A Healthy Future The reports are usually available within 48 hours. The reports are sent to the doctor/hospital from where they can be collected. The reports can also be viewed online on BabyShield’s website using the provided username and password.
The Test Result Possibilities • The results show no abnormalities thereby implying that there is no risk to the baby for the conditions screened, and that no further testing is required (or) • The baby could be at risk for one or more conditions. This however does not mean that the baby has a problem. Testing positive for one of the conditions indicates the increased risk of a medical condition. An additional test may be necessary to confirm the same and the parent is contacted when such need arises. Most babies do not screen positive for any of the conditions, however for the small number of babies that do, newborn screening provides enormous lifetime benefits.
Conditions Screened Through The Newborn Screening Test Most newborn screening conditions are metabolic and genetic disorders that are passed down or may show up in a family for the first time. Examples of newborn screening conditions are Congenital Hypothyroidism − a disease where infants are missing their thyroid gland, or do not produce enough of a particular thyroid hormone which stimulates growth and brain development; or Sickle Cell Anemia − a disease where the red blood cells have an abnormal shape reducing their ability to carry oxygen throughout the body. The number of conditions screened may vary based on your delivery hospital – however the most comprehensive screening program covers a panel of over 50 conditions.
Best Practices For Newborn Screening • Ensure that the baby is tested before you leave the hospital • Leave the correct address, contact information and your consent on the newborn screening card at the birthing hospital and with your baby’s doctor • If there is a request for a repeat sample, ensure you take the baby to the hospital at the earliest. It is important that the tests are done at the earliest
Treating Screened Conditions If the baby is diagnosed for any of the conditions, sometimes all it may take is a change in diet or guided medication for a healthy life ahead. Once treated, the child can grow up to lead a normal life. Some conditions are not completely curable, however early intervention can vastly reduce the severity and impact of these conditions. Your pediatrician through the support of BabyShield’s genetic counselling team will be able to offer you comprehensive advice to enable you to choose best treatment options.
References * Inborn Errors of Metabolism, University of Texas, Health Journal †American College of Medical Genetics Recommendations, Genetics in Medicine, 2006
The American College of Obstetricians and Gyencologists, Committee Opinion, 2011
Why BabyShield? As newborn screening is the foremost step taken to protect the baby after birth, it is important that the test is entrusted to a reliable partner. The distinct benefits of BabyShield’s newborn screening test include: • A two-level screening protocol that relies on two samples – screening first on blood followed by confirming on urine, thus minimizing false alarms • Partnership with Vitaflo Ltd. global nutrition experts – part of the Nestlé Group - thereby making available special nutrition supplements through a special access program for patients diagnosed with certain metabolic conditions” • Promoted by LifeCell International, India’s first and largest stem cell bank
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